Christians in Nepal demand total religious freedom

Last Updated: Thursday, December 24, 2009, 19:38

Tags: Nepal, Christians, Religious freedom

Kathmandu: On the eve of Christmas, the Christian community in Nepal on Thursday demanded total religious freedom and an end to discrimination on the basis of religion in the constitution that is being drafted.

The community is also demanding formation of a national religion commission and to include all communities in state mechanisms on proportionate basis, the Christian Constitution Recommendation Committee said today.

Meanwhile, hotels, restaurants, gift shops and departmental stores are being decorated with Christmas trees, Santa Claus figures and colourful lights on the holy occasion.

Nepal's biggest Catholic church -- Assumption Church -- located at Jawalakhel Ekantakuna is organising prayers on Christmas Eve today and also on Friday with over 1,200 people expected to attend.

There will be prayers, singing of carols, and other musical programme, Father George of the church said.

People irrespective of religion are gathering at restaurants and hotels for parties to mark the occasion.

Meanwhile, the government has announced a national holiday tomorrow.

PTI

First Published: Thursday, December 24, 2009, 19:38

Comments

Dirgha Raj Prasai - Kathmandu, Nepal.
Dear editor!
Good Morning !
The Christians are free in the world. And, then, What kinds of religious freedom the want ? Among all religions of the world, Hindu religion is considered as an ancient religion that is recognized as the foundation of civilization and as the most liberal democratic way of life. Hinduism & Buddhism are the identities & cultural assets of Nepal.

Nepalese all around the world and Nepal`s well-wishers are anxious about the conspiracy designed by some deviant party leaders against the Monarchy and Hinduism. Nepal will not become a heaven on earth just because monarchy is actually abolished and republican system ushered in. Nepal has already received so much respect and identity for being a Hindu kingdom.Hinduism is the foundation of civilization. We are 85% Hindus and including Buddhists we are 95% in Nepal. In India, an estimated 930 million of its population are followers of Hinduism. The Hindu Philosophy preaches that all the people of the world are our friends. Fraternity & honesty always has been propounded by Hindus.
If the Christians respect the identity of Hindus, then,we regard them. there is no cause to take worryness.
Thank you.

All the best.
Dirgha Raj Prasai
Former Member of Parliament( two times-Nepal)
political and Cultural Analyst.

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gula - Denmark
These so-called church leaders should have their head checked. They are sounding more conservative and radical than a mormon with dozen wives. These converts should be ashamed of abandoning their heritage that fosters non-violence and personal improvement. Their new ``religion`` is nothing more than a backward power-grab tool used by churches all over the world. Church leaders have prevented human advancement from the days of Newton, Galileo to Darwin. They are still fighting science teaching of evolution, stem-cell research and social freedom like women & gay rights. Why would anyone want to associate with such outdated ways? No wonder hordes in western world are fleeing it for atheism or eastern philosophy of meditation and metaphysics. Open your eyes, converts, while you still can.